• How to Make the Cupcakes
• Preheat your oven to 350°F, and line your cupcake pan with cupcake wrappers.
• In a stand mixer with the paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar until fluffy.
• Add eggs and vanilla, mix well.
• In another bowl, whisk together all of the dry ingredients.
• Add dry ingredients slowly to wet ingredients being sure to mix completely between each addition.
• Stir in the milk and combine.
• Using a large cookie scoop, fill the cupcake liners ⅔ full.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of a cupcake comes out clean.
• Let cool in pan for a few minutes then remove the cupcakes to a cooling rack to cool completely before adding the frosting.

How to Make the Chocolate Frosting

• In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the butter, cocoa, milk, and vanilla.
• Add the powdered sugar and mix well.
• If the frosting is too dry, add a tablespoon or two of milk and mix. If it is too runny, add a small amount of powdered sugar.
• Repeat either of these until you reach the desired consistency for your frosting.

How to Decorate the Cupcakes

• Spread the frosting on the top of each cupcake using either the back of a knife or an offset spatula.
• You can even use a pastry bag fitted with a decorative swirl tip.
• To make your reindeer face, use two pretzel twists for antlers, candy eyes, and red M&M's for the nose.